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Consider the following fauna : 1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 (Only one). Among the given fauna, only the Malabar Civet is strictly nocturnal.
- Malabar Civet: It is a critically endangered mammal endemic to the Western Ghats. It is strictly nocturnal and secretive in nature, being most active after sunset.
- Lion-tailed Macaque: Unlike most primates, this endemic species is diurnal, meaning it is active exclusively during daylight hours for foraging and social interaction.
- Sambar Deer: While the Sambar can exhibit crepuscular behavior (active at dawn and dusk) to avoid predators or human disturbance, it is biologically classified as diurnal or cathemeral. It is not categorized as a "nocturnal" animal in the same sense as the Civet.
Therefore, since only the Malabar Civet fits the specific criteria of being generally nocturnal, Option 1 is the most accurate choice for this UPSC-style classification.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis question marks a shift from 'Where is it found?' (Location/IUCN) to 'How does it live?' (Behavior). While the Malabar Civet is a direct textbook hit (Shankar IAS), the Lion-tailed Macaque requires applying basic primate logic (monkeys are visual, hence diurnal), and the Sambar Deer tests observational common sense about prey animals.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The lion-tailed macaque is primarily diurnal, meaning it is mostly active during the day."
Why this source?
- Directly states the activity pattern of the species.
- Specifies that the lion-tailed macaque is active during the day (diurnal), which contradicts being nocturnal or primarily active after sunset.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The lion-tailed macaque is diurnal and most active during the day."
Why this source?
- Explicitly identifies the lion-tailed macaque as diurnal.
- Clarifies that it is most active during daytime rather than after sunset.
- Directly states the activity pattern of the species.
- Specifies that the lion-tailed macaque is active during the day (diurnal), which contradicts being nocturnal or primarily active after sunset.
- Explicitly identifies the lion-tailed macaque as diurnal.
- Clarifies that it is most active during daytime rather than after sunset.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 0c yoq know? :::..:: .:,:: > p. 158
Strength: 4/5
“Bars are social animals. They hang UPSIDE DOWN when they sleep. They feed at night (they are "nocturnal") and spend the day sleeping in caves or in tree tops. They are the second largest group of mammals after rodents.”
Why relevant
Gives a clear definition/example of a nocturnal mammal (bats) and describes behavioural markers used to label species as nocturnal (feed at night, sleep by day).
How to extend
A student could use this rule (night-feeding / day-sleeping = nocturnal) to check field accounts of lion-tailed macaque activity patterns and decide if they fit this nocturnal pattern.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
Strength: 3/5
“• It is considered to be one of the world's rarest mammals, • It is endemic to India and was first reported from Travancore, Kerala. • It is nocturnal in nature and found exclusively in the Western Ghats.
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Why relevant
Identifies another Western Ghats mammal (Malabar civet) explicitly described as nocturnal, showing that nocturnality is a noted trait for some species in the same biogeographic region.
How to extend
A student could map species of the Western Ghats (including lion-tailed macaque) and compare documented activity times for regional mammals to see if nocturnality is common or exceptional.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Unique Animals of India > p. 82
Strength: 3/5
“Pigmy-hog, black-buck, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri-tahr, golden-langurs etc.”
Why relevant
Lists the lion-tailed macaque among 'unique animals of India' (a primate), which links it taxonomically to other primates discussed elsewhere in the snippets.
How to extend
A student could use basic outside knowledge about typical primate activity patterns (many primates are diurnal) and then look for specific behavioural notes on lion-tailed macaque to test whether it matches the common primate pattern or is an exception.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > Schedule 1 and part II of Schedule 2 > p. 171
Strength: 2/5
“• Animals listed in schedule 1 and part II of schedule 2 have absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. • Examples of animals listed in schedule 1 are lion-tailed macaque, rhinoceros, great Indian bustard, narcondam hornbill, Nicobar megapode, black buck, vulture, etc. • Examples of animals listed in schedule 2 are rhesus macaque, dhole, Bengal porcupine, king cobra, flying squirrel, Himalayan brown bear, mongoose, etc.”
Why relevant
Shows the lion-tailed macaque is a Schedule I protected species (highlighting its prominence), implying it is well-studied and that behavioural descriptors (e.g., diurnal/nocturnal) are likely recorded in authoritative sources.
How to extend
A student could therefore consult protected-species accounts or conservation reports (using the schedule listing as a cue) to find direct behavioural data on activity periods.
Gives a clear definition/example of a nocturnal mammal (bats) and describes behavioural markers used to label species as nocturnal (feed at night, sleep by day).
A student could use this rule (night-feeding / day-sleeping = nocturnal) to check field accounts of lion-tailed macaque activity patterns and decide if they fit this nocturnal pattern.
Identifies another Western Ghats mammal (Malabar civet) explicitly described as nocturnal, showing that nocturnality is a noted trait for some species in the same biogeographic region.
A student could map species of the Western Ghats (including lion-tailed macaque) and compare documented activity times for regional mammals to see if nocturnality is common or exceptional.
Lists the lion-tailed macaque among 'unique animals of India' (a primate), which links it taxonomically to other primates discussed elsewhere in the snippets.
A student could use basic outside knowledge about typical primate activity patterns (many primates are diurnal) and then look for specific behavioural notes on lion-tailed macaque to test whether it matches the common primate pattern or is an exception.
Shows the lion-tailed macaque is a Schedule I protected species (highlighting its prominence), implying it is well-studied and that behavioural descriptors (e.g., diurnal/nocturnal) are likely recorded in authoritative sources.
A student could therefore consult protected-species accounts or conservation reports (using the schedule listing as a cue) to find direct behavioural data on activity periods.
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